According to Jenny, my husband and I are the most Japanese people she has ever met. My husband even does the appropriate head nod and slight bow when he greets someone.
Back in August of 2008 our family, along with my dear friends Shigeru and Cliff, went on vacation to Japan. Even though my husband works there much of the time, even for him, to travel up to the northern part of the island, was a real treat.

We traveled on the Shinkansen, through farmlands and valleys, visiting sleepy villages, taking in some museums, local food and of course we manged to see some wonderful summer festivals.

The city of Sendai was one of the most spectacular stops of our travels. For one week during the month of August, Sendai celebrates with the Tanabata festival.

Gorgeous decorations made from folded Japanese paper, are hung up in the walk way, or arcade of this shopping venue. There must be over one thousand of these huge decorations lined up in the walk way.

Some of these decorations hang way down, almost touching the ground and we got to walk right through them.

Here are my kids Corry and Cameron and my friends, Shigeru and Cliff.

And because of the festival and celebration, young girls were dressed in their traditional clothing and loving this photo opp with my boys.

So sweet and oh so beautiful.

As the day wore on we became a bit hungry and you know, we had to try it, just to make sure that it tasted the same ... right?

Notice that they even had a Claire's in Sendai ... and look how adorable this employee is!

Cameron was feeling brave at this point.

Then there were the sleepy side streets, with little decorations, and business as usual.


We captured several shots of random phrases ... and yes I did bring back a collection of great socks.

And then it was off to our ryokan for a great nights rest.

Love to the Yaji family ...

Love to Yoshiko with a baby on the way ...

and love to Tadashi ...
Keeping you close to our hearts and constantly in our prayers ...
The Shaffer Family